(LAST UPDATE: 6/26/09)
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Developer(s): Team Ninja
Publisher(s): Tecmo
Designer(s): Tomonobu Itagaki
Platform(s): Xbox
Release: November 14th 2001 (NA), February 22nd 2002 (JP), March 14th 2002 (EU)
Characters: Ein, Leon, Lei Fang, Tina, Bass, Kasumi, Zack, Ayane, Hayabusa, Helena, Gen Fu, Jann Lee, Bayman, Christie, Brad Wong, Hitomi, Genra
Related Games: Dead or Alive, Dead or Alive 2, Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore, Dead or Alive 4
Story:
Ryu Hayabusa, the Super Ninja, put a stop to the evil doings of Tengu.
Nevertheless, it was too late to stop the Tengu of Destruction from
triggering a massive, worldwide collapse. The collapse churns up a dense cloud
that covers the entire planet in a shroud of darkness and fear. DOATEC has gone
astray, turning into the hunting grounds for power-hungry scam artists. This is
when DOATEC's development department (a fortress for state-of-the-art military
technology) witnesses the success of a genius. Following Project Alpha
and Project Epsilon, the ever ambitious Dr. Victor Donocan completes the Omega
Project, producing a new Superhuman: Genra. This man, who was once leader of the
Hajin Mon Ninja, is no longer human. He (or it) is a force of singular and
unprecedented capabilities. A slaughterhouse has now been provided as the
exclusive domain of the Omega superhuman. It is a realm that has come to be
known as the world Combat Championship.
Review: Dead or Alive 3
adds 4 characters to the roster, along with some cool new interactive
environments and a decent soundtrack. The basic gameplay controls and commands
remain essentially unchanged from DOA2, aside from some minor gameplay tweaks. The
gameplay now features increased counter periods, unrestricted 3D-axis movement,
and less emphasis on juggling combos... All these gameplay enhancements make the
game more suited for beginners, which actually turned many hardcore players off.
However, those new to 3D fighting games were more than likely drawn in by the
amazing graphics, and the innovative environmental interaction, with the ability to knock your opponent off of some very high
places... probably the biggest draw of the DOA series now (besides the boob physics
of course). 
DOA3 was easily of the best looking
fighting games around for the time, showing off some of the best and most
interactive 3D environments around, and some highly detailed character models.
The single player mode is satisfying with some decent AI opponents, and a
sub-par story mode. However, this game in high level play is still a counter
fest... Seriously, who wants to play a fighting game where nearly every
move can be easily countered with ONE button. Yes, it takes "some" skill to
counter, the timing is a lot easier in DOA than it is in other games... Also, it doesn't
even matter whether it's a punch or a kick counter, which makes it easier for
noob players to counter. 
In comparison, Tekken
5's character specific and punch/kick specific counter system is much
deeper, and offers more balanced gameplay and (many would say) more fun
gameplay. Also, controlling your fighter also feels a bit sluggish at times and
the sidestepping game still could use some work.
The new characters
have interesting fighting styles, and were much needed for the series in
my opinion. The story mode is a bit better than in DOA2, but that's not
really saying much because there's still not much of a story at all, just
random (and quite silly) cut scenes thrown in. Once again, where the game shines
most is in the graphics department. Characters
are intricately detailed from head to toe, and the stages are simply amazing!
There's quite a few different areas to explore on each stage and even some
things to knock your opponent into... And on that note,
the way your opponent smashes into a tree or through a wall looks incredibly
painful. The "falling animations" in this game may be where it excels over
Tekken 5, although the general punches and kicks do have a bit more "ouch
factor" overall. Quite a few punches & kicks in DOA just don't have that "omph," even though the opposing
character goes flying backwards 10 feet. 
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7.5 / 10 |
Closing Comment:
No doubt, another gorgeous 3D fighter from Team Ninja... It was a good effort,
and a decent sequel to DOA2/Hardcore. If you were a fan of how DOA2 played,
you'll like DOA3... but if you're looking for something different or more
serious, you'll be disappointed. Even with the third installment, DOA still
focuses much more
on busty girls than actual fighting or martial arts. While it may attract more
casual gamers with the girls and the graphics, more serious 3D fighting game
players are more than likely turned off by the gameplay... But it may float some
people's boats. ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG
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